When we’re told to “limit ourselves to the imambargah or shift these processions outside the city”

Mourners hold religious flags as they march in a procession on Muharram 8 in Karachi. PHOTO: AFP

Recently, I came across a post on Facebook which stated the following:

“Roads blocked, no mobile networks and markets are closed. Please stop bothering your fellow countrymen and limit yourselves to the imambargah or else shift these processions outside the city, somewhere on highway.”

A typical, insensitive and privileged Pakistani comment. But this statement was not the only one.

It is not unusual for the Shia community to hear such insensitive comments from Karachiities, whose lives are completely uprooted during 9th and 10th Muharram. Such insensitivity may not be uncommon, but it is hurtful, given the day and the solemnity of the incident being marked in Muharram.

The first problem to be addressed is the roads being blocked­ – is that something surprising for us? Are we not living in the same Pakistan where roads are blocked on a regular basis for someone important or higher up?

Having a procession on the 9th and 10th Muharram is tradition; in fact, before the sectarian divide deepened in Pakistan, there used to be a time when Sunni Muslims would join the Shia community during the jaloos (processions).

Another concern brought up was the closure of mobile networks and markets, which should not come as a surprise given the state of security in this country. The constant attacks on the Shia community and the general lack of safety in Karachi is what compels authorities to establish this protocol and switch off mobile networks.

These end up being as much of an inconvenience to those people who are part of the processions as it is to those people who sit at home complaining they have nothing to do.

Ultimately, however, it does not feel like much when the closure of networks may lead to saving hundreds of lives by thwarting possible terrorist attacks. If mobile networks are shut on any other religious day, one that is not observed by just any particular sect, will you feel the same level of hindrances and agitation in your life?

In the past, juloos used to cross the MA Jinnah road, yet the markets were never forced to shut down. Nonetheless, with the security situation in the city deteriorating and the number of attacks on Shias increasing, it is important to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of all Pakistani citizens.

Changing times and increasing danger is responsible for inconveniencing the larger public; it seems rather unfair to ask a certain religious sect to stop a practice they have been observing for centuries when they themselves are victims of sectarian violence. In the past, even the Sunni community used to be a part of these processions for the love of Imam Hussain (RA) and used to voluntarily close their shops in respect of 9th and 10th of Muharram. And since when did love and respect for Prophet’s (pbuh) grandson only apply to Shias? Furthermore, even today, the foremost family in the business of making alams (banners) in Pakistan is a Sunni family.

“Please stop bothering your fellow countrymen”– it is hard to argue with such flawed logic. The idea that people would be bothered by a peaceful procession that has taken place historically to commemorate Imam Hussain (RA) is honestly mind-boggling. One does not have to be a Shia to feel sorrow for a man who was brutally martyred along with 71 of his men, including his two sons, nephew, and brother, during the tragedy of Karbala.

“Limit yourselves to the imambargahs, or else shift these processions outside the city, somewhere along the highway?”

It is an unfortunate and sad day when on a day of mourning, you are not only attacked for grieving but also told to curb your grieving.

If you agree with the sentiment that Ashura causes an inconvenience for the rest of the nation and that Shias must change their ways or stop altogether– let me share with you the identity of the aforementioned privileged Pakistani.

It is none other than Malik Ishaq, the leader of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). How pitiful it is when our people choose to side with the leader of a banned terrorist organisation, rather than their own Muslim brethren.

Are you in solidarity with this banned outfit? Do you even know the meaning of a juloos? It is a peaceful procession meant to take place on roads and not inside.

We already know what happened to Shia Kashmiris in Indian-occupied Kashmir where Shias were attacked by the Indian police during a procession. And we are already witnessing increased targeted sectarian killings in Pakistan

Regardless of whether you are Shia or Sunni, one can agree that what happened at Karbala is an incident of great courage and suffering on the part of Imam Hussain (RA) and his people.

Growing up in a family that is half Shia and half Sunni, I have always experienced tolerance from both sides for the faith of the respective other, and hence know that it is possible to be civil and understanding of Ashura processions.

Finally, I would like to end this with something I once read,

“There is no Shia or Sunni when it comes to the tragedy of Karbala. You are either with Imam Hussain (RA) or with Yazid.”

The tragedy of Karbala reflects on Yazid’s brutality and oppression and Imam Hussain’s (RA) courage. We should remember,

No country allow these type of processions that puts a whole country to a complete halt.And could you give us the exact time when Pakistani people have to stop doing things like they do in muharram?.I mean main roads being blocked,network shutdown,No economic activity taking place.Recommend

Muhammad Khurram

Greeting Miss Fizza,

At first, I hold this forth that I don’t subscribe taking to or institutionalizing any sect or religious coterie. I’m a Muslim and that’s all of it. I concede what untowardly occasioned in Karbala was not only reprehensible but fraught with abysmal cruelty. Recommend

Much appreciated… We need to have this beautiful piece of writing. The one who claims to have love with Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) would definitely love his progeny & household including Imam Hussainع.
Well written !!Recommend

Ali

I have’t read the article and still making a comment, which I believe is not right. Just inferring from the title, I sincerely think that any of these public displays shouldn’t be allowed. Be it Moharram, Milad-Un-Nabi, etc. In fact, I don’t know why do we have to slaughter our animals in the alley. I can go on and on and not in a mood to type a long comment. In shorts, feeding the poor or doing something nice for your fellow human being in the name of Prophet Muhammad, Maula Ali, is far far more beneficial than taking those Juloos out.Recommend

Saad Rasheed

first of all don’t dictate your fascist ideas on karachi people. we are proud of Imam Hussain R.A.W, and his companions for his services and felt pledged to sacrifice ourselves for the great cause. These jalos has no religious credibility.Recommend

Faraz Talat

I sympathize with the Shia community and deplore the prejudice against it.

I also sympathize with my mother who has to walk all the way to work because the roads are blocked. It’s not even just for a day or two; it happens quite frequently during Muharram now.

I respect your beliefs. But if blocking roads and causing mass-inconvenience to fellow citizens is an integral part of your grieving process, I am unsure how much support I can honestly offer.Recommend

Patwari

Great blog. Kudos to Fizza. Please keep up the good work. Persons like you
are needed to build Shia awareness. Rest assured it is and will be an uphill task.
In a country where minorities or religious rights are non existent, where there is
an ongoing Shia Genocide. Acknowledged by just about every major international
news/media organization. Worldwide. Including Al Jazeera which is run by Wahabis.
Le J, Le Taiba, Jundulla, TTP, ASWJ, ISIS are just few banned outfits that are fully
engaged in this genocide. While the govt. looks the other. After all it’s just Shias……
Parachinar, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a Shia majority population. has been attacked
three times by extremists. With horrible sickening death tolls. There are 3 security cordons
around the city. Even a rat should not be able to squeeze in, edgewise. Yet terrorists regularly
get in and blow up bazaars, Friday mosques prayers, schools…they don’t even get visits from
the CM, or PM, or anyone worthwhile. Nothing. Just a few condemnations mantras, as an afterthought.
The Shia Hazaras of Balochistan, Shias of Gilgit-Baltistan, of Chitral, of Hunza
of Kaghan will need 20 pages here.
As long as it is the Shias that are getting slaughtered, the Sunnis and the govt. looks the other
way. The Wahabis of Pakland, utter a few words and go back to eating their Nihari and ‘chapatis’. Shias are 20% of the population. They are not going away, anytime soon.Recommend

Patwari

All over Italy, they have these “processions” [jaloos] in honor of different saints.
Through out the year. In just about every town and village. Could be in honor of
town’s patron saint. Or any other saint. The streets are blocked. Humongous crowds.
When the Pope talks or gives a speech at the Vatican the surrounding streets, vias,
avenues, are blocked. For days. Italians are passionate people.
Same goes for Spain. They are very passionate about their religion, their festivals and
their jaloos in honor of their saints and patron saints.
When there is the Bull Running festival in Spain, streets are blocked for days.
Same goes for Greece, Macedonia, Serbia…
Your mother can always take the auto rickshaw. Make arrangements in advance.
But show respect for other religions or sects. Because to these ‘other’ people,
their beliefs are very important. Just as your Wahabi/Khawariji beliefs, are to you.Recommend

Patwari

So there should be no freedom of expression? Or freedom of religion?
Because these, processions jaloos, bother your sensitive sensitivities.
Thank God not everyone is like you. They have religious processions
just about everywhere in the world. Maybe not the Eskimos. Laplanders…
You can always change your religion. To one where they don’t kill animals.
A Stoic perhaps?Recommend

S Imran Zaidi

We never ask for roads to be blocked or markets to be closed. This is government of Pakistan Recommend

“you have have no sympathies with the Shia community.
Absolutely zero, Zilch.
If you did, you would not make false irresponsible claims that roads
are blocked frequently during Muharram. Not true. You need police
permission, clearance to take out a jaloos [procession] And the police
would allow two many jalooses. Because that would rile up the extremists
Sunnis in spades. Now, then, do you understand why it’s not possible?
Besides, it’s expensive to take out a jaloos. Not cheap. Shias simply cannot
afford to take out a jaloos every other day. They are a beleaguered minority.
And memorize the Hippocratic Oath.”Recommend

Abdul moiz

“The first problem to be addressed is the roads being blocked­ – is that something surprising for us? Are we not living in the same Pakistan where roads are blocked on a regular basis for someone important or higher up? ”

The first problem is sexual harassment – is that something surprising to us? are we not living in the same pakistan where this happens 24/7365 (I don’t think this argument or the above will hold up in court)

She is not dictating anything. It is your narrow bleak mindset
that is causing you distress.
And who are YOU to decide what is relevant to a religious community?Recommend

DevilHunterX

Ali ibn Abu Talib, of the Rashidun (rightly guided Caliphs), said; “He who innovates or gives protection to an innovator, there is a curse of Allah and that of His angels and that of the whole humanity upon him.”Recommend

Bibi Zainab [RA] granddaughter of the Prophet [PBUH] when she and her
remaining family was brought before Yazid, bare headed and in chains,
said to Yazid :
‘O Yazid, do you believe that you have succeeded in closing the sky
and the earth for us and that we have become your captives, just
because we have been brought before you in a row and that you have
secured control over us?’Recommend

Arif

She is not trying to justify it. She is just showing you the miror on your Hypocritical response over likewise events. She is saying that these are the state’s arrangements over terrorism threats.Recommend

There are courts? Where justice is dispensed free and fairly?
Truly? In Pakland? No waiting 10 years for the case to even
appear on the docket? And you won’t be made to “disappear”
in the meantime? Where are these courts? Maybe they are
like buried treasure? Is there a map? A website? Oh, well.
These justice dispensaries must be like an extinct species or
near extinction, like the Houbara Bustard. Only the rich can
find them or hunt them.Recommend

wb

But you see Mullah ji, Italians are civilized people unlike Sunni or Shia Muslims. Muslims of South Asia are worse than Muslims of Arabia. Recommend

Patwari

Just wear the janeo thread. upgrade to next level Bbrahmini
and wear the supersize bindi. Seven fold dhoti.
Time to plant corn and moong dal. winter crop. .Recommend

Parvez

Having read the article and a lot of the comments…….what I realize is the matter comes down to respecting the space for others and the others must behave keeping in mind the concerns of the other.Recommend

Patwari

A very elegant, judicious and well meaning sentiment. Knowing the
commenter meant it from the bottom of his heart. Fit for the UN.
Except, it does not seems to be working at all. Specially since the
last 15 or so years. [it goes well beyond, from what elders mention]
When the “Others” systematically exterminate lawyers, doctors, surgeons,
teachers, businessmen, professors, intellectual elites, community and
religious leaders of the Shia community, then it’s all moot, not much of a
going concern. [killed In thousands, all over the country, over the years]
It will not be out of place to mention that proscribed outfits, a dozen of them,
are fully engaged in this Shia Genocide, either by the truckload [truck bombs
in Shia neighborhoods] OR by the busload. Safoora Goth massacre, Chilas
Bus massacre. Peshawar Bus Massacre….it goes on and on.
While the govt. does nothing. More than likely the govt. is involved, by looking the other way, or through sheer incompetence and negligence. Eating their daily quota of nihari and chapatis.
[The Chief of them has absconded to London, with his family and
$ 4 billion USD. He is in Mayfair, in one of his posh palatial apartments ]Recommend

Mehdi

What is the problem of holding these jaloos within imambarghas or outside cities? Why does it hurt you to hear this? if you guys know (and you know), that it is going to cause problems to the common public (including patients and the elderly etc) why don’t you happily move outside the cities? I believe it is a solution everyone will be happy with. Those who want to attend the jaloos will go to jaloos and those who not interested in it will have a normal life.
You did not mention the source of this quote “There is no Shia or Sunni when it comes to the tragedy of Karbala. You are either with Imam Hussain (RA) or with Yazid.”
Is it from Quran or is it from Prophet (pbuh)? If it is from none of these two sources, it is just a nonsense quote. Maybe I am with neither with Hussain (RA) nor with Yazid. It is my own opinion and I have the right to hold my opinion.
Lastly all I see in this article is hatred towards other sects, calling people terrorists. You can see the comments of your fellow shias on this article and I bet you can see for yourself they are equal terrorists than Lashkar e Jahangvi if not more.Recommend

Mehdi

Relax mate!
Innocent killing of any human being is wrong, and i am with you on this one. But you need to see the mirror too, and see what shias do/have done with this simple and pure religion. I have been to muharram majalis and they were referred to me as good majalis. All I got from it was that the shia ulema are the racist of all, making you believe that you are momin and pure and all others are pieces of craps.
I can feel so much hate in your comment and probably that comes from your ulemas too. Please don’t start killing innocent sunnis and wahabis now.Recommend

Mehdi

There should be freedom of religion but without hindering the normal life of citizens. This article is about getting hurt when people say that they juloos should be held outside cities. I see no reason in getting ‘hurt’ in this. If you want to do that go outside cities and do what you want freely, those not interested in this brutal and wild jaloos can lead their lived happily.Recommend

Patwari

Only ruthless people with a stone heart and ice in their veins would want
Shias to take their jalus/processions outside the city. Away, out there.
Please, spare us the sanctimonious discourse. Why must the Shias hold
their processions/jalus outside the city? Are they not considered due rightful
inhabitants? Don’t they pay the same taxes as others? Don’t they contribute
to the economy and the welfare of the city? Just as others? Don’t they undergo
the same deprivations just as others? Don’t they have the same rights as others?
These Shia processions go from one Imambargah to another Imambargah.
In the wilderness outside the city the jalus will go in circles? With no water, no food,
no facilities, no vendors, no transportation no medial emergency facilities, nothing.
No mosques to pray in. At the mercy of the elements! Bad weather? Rain?
The various Sunni Urs [yearly congregations] of Sufi saints in Karachi in Sindh and in
Land of the Pure choke up the cities for days. They are not a hindrance? Not at all?
See how deep is the Shia disenfranchisement is?
Nope, you don’t see it at all.Recommend

Parvez

Much of what you say is true……but I confined myself to the blog and the religious aspect and sentiments involved. Of course there is more to it …..and much of what you say has to do with, what I call, the mid 70’s when RELIGION was dropped on this poor country to comply with the wishes and agenda of another. Now we are in the realm of politics and religion…..a lengthy subject, not for this forum.Recommend

oats

Since you believe there is Shia genocide in the Muslim world, maybe you can explain why Europe and the West is full of Iranian refugees who are so eager to run away from Shia theocratic state. Ever been to Sweden or Germany or N. America? Full of Iranians who asked for asylum to run away from Iran. In Germany these same Iranians will openly convert to Christianity to stop being deported. Why don’t you worry about Shia oppression in Iran against their own?
You need to educate yourself instead of your emotional crying.Recommend

Juan

>”Lastly all I see in this article is hatred towards other sects, calling people terrorists. You can see the comments of your fellow shias on this article and I bet you can see for yourself they are equal terrorists than Lashkar e Jahangvi if not more.”

You have a right to your opinion (though not your revisionist history) and complaints and solutions about how the events are run.

You might even take issue with the author in pulling the religious guilt trip on the majority Sunni and making comparisons of those complaining about the Shia minority’s activities with a notorious Sunni extremist militant, though I wouldn’t say she was promoting hatred (she was trying to make a point that it was the other way round) or claiming an entire sect as terrorists, as you erroneously perceive it.

But your last remark is clearly a very absurd and disingenuous claim. It exposes and highlights the hypocritical sectarianism and intolerance held by many of the supposed moderate majority.

You claimed Shia fundamentalist comments on this blog is ‘terrorism’, akin (if not worse, according to you) to evidenced violent Sunni Islamist extremists who clearly dominate most terrorist attacks in Pakistan, if not globally. This is not merely a mistake of false equivalence….Recommend

Juan

‘But…’

I read excuses, like by a white supremacist sympathizer. It’s obvious, you’re not united with the commentator and you don’t really think that such violence was wrong. You condone it by blaming the victims for their deserved deaths, claiming they’re the ones who are driving anti-Sunni bigotry or some sort of Shia supremacy as perceived by you….when in reality the recorded evidence shows greater anti-Shia bigotry AND Sunni supremacist views and violence perpetuated narratives amongst Sunni clerics and populations in Pakistan – this real racism by the majority you will of course deny.

The fact that a commentator is complaining and putting forth numerous instances and facts about sectarian cleansing of his minority sect by majority extremists, reads to you as hate, highlights where the sectarianism and prejudice lies.

If you were honest, you’d admit innocent Sunnis or Wahhabis were more likely to be killed by other Sunni Islamist extremists or organizations (of which there are so many already named above) than any Shia radicals…but, of course, you’re not…Recommend

Patwari

You are twisting words. Shia Genocide in Land of the Pure. Not
Muslim World. Repeat it again : Land of the Pure.
Very familiar with these places you mentioned. Except Germany.
And for your info, Europe is not full of Iranian refugees. Totally false.
It is full of Turks, Moroccans, Tunisians, Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans.
All refugees from former colonies of the French, or British Mandates
In a suburb of Los Angeles they even have a Little Tehran [by
the way very good food, available there seekh kebabs a foot long]
They also have little India there and believe it or not a Little Saigon
in Orange County.near Disneyland. [35 miles from LA.area]
It will take you about 1 1/2 hour to traverse the Greater LA Area.
About 90 miles. End to end.. From Simi Valley to San Clemente
So, very well educated. Sorry to dash your premise and hopes.
And why are you changing the subject?. Is Iran under discussion?
No….Land of the Pure is being discussed.
Should we talk about Burqa Mulla, Zia ul Haq, Sharia Courts in Lahore. A 3 time deposed PM who wanted to be Ameer ul Momineen….stoning women in front of Lahore High Court….Recommend

Someone

True the processions have been taking place since a long time & its tradition but yearly a new addition takes place , more road area blockages & now no internet no mobile phones network . I understand its a security issue but do innocents have to suffer due to this .

Many residing in the blocked area cannot go to work on 7th Muharram & 8th Muharram so well should one just take the days off from work why ? Office doesn’t pay for those days . Hence many walked it or just stayed home

Many residing cannot go to the nearest hospitals why bcoz roads blocked & security When networks are blocked we cannot get in touch with anyone ? Why make others suffer . Just think for a moment . yes security but why put others life’s on hold & in danger ?

This year the new addition was the unannounced closure of network on friday 8th Muharram . life just stopped one cudnt even call a careem to get a drop home or else where , in an emergency if one has to call up a loved one / family members
What should one do ?

Well now i am sure many will say:

oh please use a landline
our place network was not blocked
oh your so not respecting others
People shud shift out of these areas but y ?
You have no respect etc etc ……

That is not true, they allow it for only an hour or two and the business is done within time or police disperse the crowd after the given time and in this process no shops are closed and the roads do not get blocked.Recommend

Syeda Fizza Hasan Rizvi

you dont speak up when these processions help generate a huge amount of revenue for the country!!Recommend

Syeda Fizza

probably you havent ever attended good majalis where we are told to build tolerance and patience with sunniz. stop holding grudges with us because we really dont keep any with your sect. we all believe in the same Allah and prophet, the only difference is that we still remmember and cry for Karbala while you dont.Recommend

Syeda Fizza

brutal and wild juloos? :-/ its such a huge procession yet its peaceful until and unless some haters plant bombs to explode us. I wonder how this hindrance is being felt all of a sudden and was never felt by centuries before us!! You dont feel hurt when you see the amount of revenue thats generated in Pakistan due to these processions do you? You all can see the problems you face for what 5-6 days in total? But you fail to see how it helps the society!Recommend

Juan

Most of his references are to the violent sectarian cleansing in Pakistan, which I’m sure he’s from and a citizen of, not other places. Unless of course you disown religious minorities as your own citizens, then you have other issues…

Unfortunate that an uneducated heartless mean remark followed after someone’s emotional cry (which you make fun of) for help. It’s obvious that remark only serves to deflect responsibility for oppression and thought it was being clever in prejudicially targeting the complainant’s background, tying it with another regressive state, as not being really a victim and a hypocrite to you.

What next? Rebuking the emotional crying of Rohingya refugees to instead complain about observing Muslim issues in India, Sunni Saudi on Sunni Saudi oppression, Somali refugees, etc. rather than the violent ethnic cleansing from their ancestral homeland by radical Buddhists and the Myanmar army?Recommend

Mehdi

Please try to understand the point others are trying to make and then respond while limiting your emotional attachment to the topic under discussion.Recommend

Mehdi

What is wrong today would be wrong yesterday and centuries ago.
I grew up seeing these jaloos and they were a lot better controlled and maintained when I was a child. Nowadays the people look like thugs destroying the peace and comfort of ordinary citizens who are not interested in the eventRecommend

Mehdi

Haha @ Only ruthless people with a stone heart and ice in their veins would want
Shias to take their jalus/processions outside the city. Away, out there.

Are you an Alim preaching at muharram majalis? These kind of statements are heard from their mouths exploiting the emotions of their listeners and to keep their jobs.

Secondly as I mentioned earlier that you need to read what others are trying to say im their comments limiting your emotional attachment because you are not getting the point others are trying to make.

Any procession religious, political, fun festives etc held by anyone or any sect which causes hinderance and trouble to ordinary citizens should be either banned or thrown out of the city. Since we are now discussing mubarram jaloos, they should be thrown out as well.
Raiwand ijtema is an example for all of us.
Thanks and peace!Recommend

Mehdi

Patwari, You must be in favor of nepotism then? Going by your logic and standard, if Nawas Sharif is the pm, maryam should have the same previlodges and should be made pm by default, not even maryam, her son should be made pm too and should be respected too? They should be well above the law and should not have to follow what state says which is what is currently happening in pak. So people in pak should be fairly happy?
This is just one example out of so many I can quote here.
So if someone is prophet’s grandson or grand daughter he or she should be made the leaders of muslims too and they have no obligations to the state? If you go against the state, the state will go against you, that is simple maths. The history of karbala goes way back to the shahdat of Usman (ra), after that the divide between Ali (ra) and Muawiya (ra) started which ultimately resulted in the form of karbala with Yazid being Muawiya(ra) son and Hussain (ra) being Ali (ra) son.

Why do you play the prophet,s grandson or granddaughter card? Did the prophet say my family is above ordinary muslims? He said if my daughter fatima (ra) steals the same rules will be applied to her (cutting the hands).Recommend

Patwari

Everyone and his brother is getting the “points”. Bigoted, racist, discriminatory and sectarian treatment of Shias is being discussed.
However YOU have a right to be a Yazidi, no one can stop you.
Freedom of choice.
Try not to label graphic exposures, straight forward, simple, discourse
on the prevailing hardships faced by Shias, as emotional ‘crying’.Recommend

Thanks Fizza, I appreciate your nice comment. No grudges against anyone.
Just sharing my opinion based on my experiences and what I have read.Recommend

Jaggu

Religious/political processions that hamper the lives of citizens and their livelihood are not welcomed. I do not understand the ostentatious display of religiosity in a way that directly affects everyday lives of others (regardless of sect). Processions are more menacing because they paralyze the city. However, i know that banning them would be perceived as a direct attack on a certain sect. Hence, we have to tolerate this and live with it.Recommend

AQ

Whoever stopped you or tried to suppress you? Its about mourning peacefully and not making it a point to ‘showcase’ your theatrics and becoming a pain to the whole world. Why not carry out your processions in a designated private space. I’m sure you wont hear any complaints then. And btw the same applies to the processions of Eid Milad un Nabi.Recommend